Input device

Abstract

Provided is an input device having non-contact type operation buttons, the input device being capable of suppressing deviations in the detection distance of each operation button. To this end, the input device is provided with a plurality of operation buttons having a sensor electrode in which the capacitance changes in accordance with the distance to an object, a capacitance detection unit for detecting the capacitance of the sensor electrode, an operation detection unit for detecting an operation on the operation button when the amount of change in the capacitance of the sensor electrode is equal to or greater than a determination reference value, an initial capacitance coupling amount detection unit for detecting an initial capacitance coupling amount between a dielectric and a conductor around the operation button in a state in which the operation button is not operated, and a reference value setting unit for setting a determination reference value for the operation button in accordance with the initial capacitance coupling amount. The reference value setting unit sets respective determination reference values for a first operation button and a second operation button, which have an initial capacity coupling amount different from each other among the plurality of operation buttons, so that a detection distance, at which operation of the operation button is detected, is equal between the first and second operation buttons.

Description

Input Devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device.

[0002] A proximity detection device is known in which a capacitance detection unit detects the capacitance value between a detection electrode and a finger, and a proximity / contact detection unit compares the difference between the capacitance value and a baseline value with a predetermined proximity reference capacitance value and a predetermined contact reference capacitance value to detect the proximity and contact state of a finger (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-257046

[0004] In this way, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 detects the approach of a finger by comparing the amount of change from the baseline value of the capacitance of the electrode with a preset reference value. The baseline value of the capacitance of the electrode changes due to the influence of the conductors and dielectrics surrounding the electrode, so the baseline values ​​of multiple electrodes vary. Therefore, even if the amount of change in capacitance from the baseline value is the same, there will be variation (deviation) in the distance (detection distance) between the electrode and the finger.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and its purpose is to provide an input device having non-contact operation buttons that detect whether or not an operation has been performed based on the amount of change in capacitance of a sensor electrode, which is capable of suppressing deviations in the detection distance of each operation button due to changes in capacitance caused by the influence of conductors and dielectrics around each operation button.

[0006] The input device according to the present disclosure comprises a plurality of operation buttons arranged in a row, each having a sensor electrode whose capacitance changes depending on the distance from an object; a capacitance detection unit that detects the capacitance of the sensor electrode; an operation detection unit that detects that the operation button has been operated when the amount of change in capacitance of the sensor electrode becomes equal to or greater than a judgment reference value; an initial capacitive coupling amount detection unit that detects an initial capacitive coupling amount, which is the amount of capacitive coupling between the sensor electrode of the operation button and a conductor and a dielectric around the operation button when the operation button is not operated; and a reference value setting unit that sets the judgment reference value of the operation button according to the initial capacitive coupling amount, wherein the reference value setting unit sets the judgment reference value for each of a first operation button and a second operation button having different initial capacitive coupling amounts among the plurality of operation buttons so that the detection distance, which is the longest distance between the operation button and the object when the operation detection unit detects that the operation button has been operated, is equal for both the first operation button and the second operation button.

[0007] Alternatively, an input device according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of operation buttons arranged in a row, each having a sensor electrode whose capacitance changes depending on the distance from an object; a capacitance detection unit that detects the capacitance of the sensor electrode; an operation detection unit that detects that the operation button has been operated when the amount of change in capacitance of the sensor electrode becomes equal to or greater than a judgment reference value; an initial capacitive coupling amount detection unit that detects an initial capacitive coupling amount, which is the amount of capacitive coupling between the sensor electrode of the operation button and a conductor and a dielectric around the operation button when the operation button is not operated; and a reference value setting unit that sets the judgment reference value of the operation button depending on the initial capacitive coupling amount, wherein the reference value setting unit sets the judgment reference value for each of a first operation button and a second operation button having different functions among the plurality of operation buttons so that a detection distance, which is the longest distance between the operation button and the object when the operation detection unit detects that the operation button has been operated, is different for the first operation button and a second operation button having different functions among the plurality of operation buttons.

[0008] The input device according to the present disclosure comprises a plurality of operation buttons arranged in a row, each having a sensor electrode whose capacitance changes depending on the distance from an object; a capacitance detection unit that detects the capacitance of the sensor electrode; an operation detection unit that detects that the operation button has been operated when the amount of change in capacitance of the sensor electrode becomes equal to or greater than a judgment reference value; an initial capacitive coupling amount detection unit that detects an initial capacitive coupling amount, which is the amount of capacitive coupling between the sensor electrode of the operation button and a conductor and a dielectric around the operation button when the operation button is not operated; and a reference value setting unit that sets the judgment reference value of the operation button depending on the initial capacitive coupling amount, wherein the reference value setting unit sets the judgment reference value for each of a first operation button and a second operation button which have different operation frequencies among the plurality of operation buttons so that the detection distance, which is the longest distance between the operation button and the object when the operation detection unit detects that the operation button has been operated, is different for the first operation button and a second operation button which have different operation frequencies among the plurality of operation buttons.

[0009] According to the input device of the present disclosure, in an input device having non-contact operation buttons that detect whether or not they have been operated based on the change in capacitance of the sensor electrode, it is possible to suppress deviations in the detection distance of each operation button caused by changes in capacitance due to the influence of conductors and dielectrics around each operation button.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view of an input device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the input device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a relay device provided in the input device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram explaining capacitive coupling in the input device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing examples of operation buttons of different sizes and shapes on the input device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing examples of operation buttons of different sizes and shapes on the input device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing examples of operation buttons of different protrusion amounts on the input device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of examples of operation buttons of different protrusion amounts on the input device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a relay device provided in a modified example of the input device according to embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing the functions of the relay device of the input device according to embodiment 1.

[0011] Embodiments of an input device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be appropriately simplified or omitted. For convenience, the following description may express the positional relationship of each structure based on the illustrated state. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any combination of the embodiments, any modification of any component of each embodiment, or any omission of any component of each embodiment are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0012] Embodiment 1. A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. FIG. 1 is a front view of an input device. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of the input device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a relay device provided in the input device. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating capacitive coupling in the input device. FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating examples of operation buttons of different sizes and shapes on an input device. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating examples of operation buttons of different protrusion amounts on an input device. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of an operation button of different protrusion amounts on an input device. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a relay device provided in a modified example of the input device. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration for implementing the functions of the relay device on an input device.

[0013] The input device according to this embodiment is used, for example, in an elevator hall operating panel, an elevator car operating panel, etc. The input device according to this embodiment includes an input device main body 100 shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The input device main body 100 includes a faceplate 110 and non-contact type operation buttons 120. The faceplate 110 is, for example, a flat plate-shaped member. The faceplate 110 is made of, for example, stainless steel (SUS) or the like. The faceplate 110 is electrically grounded.

[0014] A plurality of operation buttons 120 are arranged in a row on the input device main body 100. Openings are formed in the faceplate 110 according to the positions, shapes, and sizes of the respective operation buttons 120. Each operation button 120 is disposed within the opening in the faceplate 110.

[0015] Each operation button 120 includes a button cap 121 and a button ring 122. The button cap 121 includes an insulator 121a and a metal portion 121b. The insulator 121a is made of, for example, polycarbonate resin (PC). The metal portion 121b is made of, for example, stainless steel (SUS). The insulator 121a is shaped like a shallow, bottomed cylinder. The metal portion 121b is provided so as to cover the surface of the insulator 121a. The button cap 121 is oriented so that the bottom side of the bottomed cylinder is exposed on the front side of the faceplate 110. In other words, the metal portion 121b of the button cap 121 is exposed on the front side of the faceplate 110.

[0016] The button ring 122 is an annular member. The button ring 122 is made of, for example, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The button ring 122 is provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the button cap 121. A portion of the button ring 122 is disposed between the outer periphery of the button cap 121 and the inner edge of the opening in the face plate 110, and is exposed on the front side of the face plate 110. The other portion of the button ring 122 is disposed on the back side of the face plate 110.

[0017] The input device main body 100 further includes a case 141. The case 141 is box-shaped with one side open. The bottom side of the case 141 is fixed to a button mounting plate 150. The button mounting plate 150 is, for example, a hot-dip galvanized steel plate. A light source board 142 is fixed to the inner surface of the bottom of the case 141. An LED 143 is mounted on the light source board 142. The LED 143 is a light source that emits light toward the button cap 121 from the back side. A diffuser plate 123 is provided on the back side of the button cap 121, i.e., on the LED 143 side. The diffuser plate 123 is, for example, translucent to the light emitted from the LED 143. The light emitted from the LED 143 is diffused by the diffuser plate 123, allowing the button cap 121 to be uniformly illuminated from the back side.

[0018] Each operation button 120 has a sensor electrode 130. In the configuration example shown in Fig. 2, a pair of sensor electrodes 130 is provided on one operation button 120. One of the pair of sensor electrodes 130 is a transmitting electrode 131. The other of the pair of sensor electrodes 130 is a receiving electrode 132. The pair of sensor electrodes 130, i.e., the transmitting electrode 131 and the receiving electrode 132, are provided on the back surface of the insulator 121a of the button cap 121. More specifically, the pair of sensor electrodes 130 are provided on the inner surface of the bottom of the aforementioned cylindrical bottom of the insulator 121a.

[0019] A capacitance is generated between each of the pair of sensor electrodes 130, that is, the transmitting electrode 131 and the receiving electrode 132, and the metal portion 121b of the button cap 121. In the present disclosure, the capacitance between the pair of sensor electrodes 130 (the transmitting electrode 131 and the receiving electrode 132) and the metal portion 121b of the button cap 121 is also referred to as the capacitance of the sensor electrode 130.

[0020] When an object, such as a human finger, approaches the button cap 121, capacitance is generated between the metal portion 121b of the button cap 121 and the object. This causes a portion of the charge in the sensor electrode 130 to move, i.e., the amount of charge stored in the sensor electrode 130 changes, resulting in a change in the capacitance of the sensor electrode 130. The amount of change in the apparent capacitance of the sensor electrode 130 at this time is determined by the capacitance generated between the metal portion 121b of the button cap 121 and the object. The capacitance generated between the metal portion 121b of the button cap 121 and the object changes depending on the distance between the object and the button cap 121. Therefore, the capacitance of the sensor electrode 130 changes depending on the distance between the object, such as a human finger, and the button cap 121. Here, because the sensor electrode 130 is fixed to the button cap 121, the distance between the object and the button cap 121 can also be rephrased as the distance between the object and the sensor electrode 130. Alternatively, the distance between the object and the button cap 121 may be rephrased as the distance between the object and the operation button 120 .

[0021] In this way, the metal portion 121b of the button cap 121 functions as a so-called floating electrode. The button cap 121 may not have the metal portion 121b covering the surface, but may have a floating electrode instead of the metal portion 121b. Alternatively, the button cap 121 may have both the metal portion 121b and the floating electrode.

[0022] When the button cap 121 includes either or both of the metal portion 121b and the floating electrode, one sensor electrode 130 may be provided for one operation button 120 instead of a pair. On the other hand, when the button cap 121 does not include either the metal portion 121b or the floating electrode and is, for example, made of only the insulator 121a, two or more sensor electrodes 130 are provided for one operation button 120. Note that, for example, when the button cap 121 does not include either the metal portion 121b or the floating electrode and is provided with a transmitting electrode 131 and a receiving electrode 132 as the sensor electrodes 130, the capacitance of the sensor electrode 130 is the capacitance generated between the transmitting electrode 131 and the receiving electrode 132.

[0023] The input device according to this embodiment further includes a relay device 200 in addition to the input device main body 100 configured as described above. The relay device 200 detects operations on each operation button 120 of the input device main body 100. The relay device 200 is electrically connected to the sensor electrodes 130 and LEDs 143 of each operation button 120. Furthermore, if the input device main body 100 is an elevator hall operating panel or an in-car operating panel, the relay device 200 can communicate with the elevator control panel or the like. The relay device 200 detects whether the operation button 120 has been operated based on a change in capacitance of the sensor electrodes 130 of each operation button 120. When detecting that the operation button 120 has been operated, the relay device 200 outputs an operation detection signal for the operation button 120 to, for example, the elevator control panel or the like. Furthermore, the relay device 200 controls the illumination state of the LEDs 143 of each operation button 120 as necessary.

[0024] Next, the functional configuration of the relay device 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The relay device 200 has, as its functions, a capacitance detection unit 211, an operation detection unit 212, an initial capacitive coupling amount detection unit 213, a reference value setting unit 214, and a storage unit 220. The capacitance detection unit 211 detects the capacitance of the sensor electrode 130 of each operation button 120. When the amount of change in capacitance of the sensor electrode 130 detected by the capacitance detection unit 211 becomes equal to or greater than a determination reference value, the operation detection unit 212 detects that the operation button 120 provided with the sensor electrode 130 has been operated.

[0025] The initial capacitive coupling amount detection unit 213 detects the initial capacitive coupling amount. The initial capacitive coupling amount is the amount of capacitive coupling between the sensor electrode 130 of the operation button 120 and the conductors and dielectrics around the operation button 120 when the operation button 120 is not operated. Specific factors that affect the initial capacitive coupling amount include, for example, the following:

[0026] The number, arrangement, size, shape, etc. of other operation buttons 120 provided around the operation button 120 in question The size, shape, etc. of the face plate 110 of the input device main body 100 on which the operation button 120 in question is provided The installation environment of the input device main body 100 on which the operation button 120 in question is provided The position of the operation button 120 in question on the face plate 110 of the input device main body 100, and the amount of protrusion of the operation button 120 from the face plate 110

[0027] 4, the initial capacitive coupling amount of an operation button 120 that is surrounded by a large number of other operation buttons 120 is greater than the initial capacitive coupling amount of an operation button 120 that is surrounded by a small number of other operation buttons 120. In another example, if the input device main body 100 is an in-car operation panel installed on a sleeve wall inside an elevator car, an operation button 120 that is farther from the car entrance and closer to the side wall of the car may be more strongly influenced by the side wall of the car and have a greater initial capacitive coupling amount than an operation button 120 that is closer to the car entrance and farther from the side wall of the car.

[0028] Furthermore, if there are other operation buttons 120 with different sizes and shapes, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the initial capacitive coupling of these operation buttons 120 may be different. Note that Figure 5(a) shows an example in which the door open button is larger than the door close button, making it easier to operate. In contrast, Figure 5(b) shows an example in which the door open button and the door close button are the same size and shape. Also, Figure 6 shows an example in which the destination floor button for a specific floor is larger than the destination floor buttons for other floors. A specific floor with a larger destination floor button is, for example, a floor where many passengers board and disembark. Examples of such floors include a lobby floor, an entrance floor, a floor with a connecting passage to another building, a floor with an observation deck, and a floor with a restaurant in an office building. Furthermore, if there are other operation buttons 120 with different protrusions from the faceplate 110, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the initial capacitive coupling of these operation buttons 120 may be different.

[0029] An example of a method for detecting the initial capacitive coupling amount by the initial capacitive coupling amount detection unit 213 will be described below. For example, the initial individual capacitance of each operation button 120 is pre-stored in the memory unit 220 of the relay device 200. The initial individual capacitance is the capacitance value of the sensor electrode 130 of the operation button 120 when the operation button 120 is installed alone and is not being operated. The operation button 120 being installed alone refers to a state in which no conductors or dielectrics other than the operation button 120 are present within a predetermined range around the operation button 120. For example, during the manufacture of the input device main body 100, before the operation button 120 is attached to the faceplate 110 or the like, the capacitance of the sensor electrode 130 when the operation button 120 is installed alone is detected, and this detected value is used as the value of the initial individual capacitance.

[0030] Next, the manufactured input device main body 100 is installed at an actual usage location, and a baseline capacitance is detected, which is the electrostatic capacitance of the sensor electrode 130 of the operation button 120 when the operation button 120 is not being operated. Then, the initial capacitive coupling amount detection unit 213 calculates the difference between the detected baseline capacitance value and the initial standalone capacitance value of the operation button 120, thereby obtaining the value of the initial capacitive coupling amount of the operation button 120.

[0031] The reference value setting unit 214 sets a judgment reference value for each operation button 120 according to the initial capacitive coupling amount of each operation button 120 detected by the initial capacitive coupling amount detection unit 213. Then, the operation detection unit 212 detects that the operation button 120 has been operated when the amount of change in capacitance of the sensor electrode 130 becomes equal to or greater than the judgment reference value set for the operation button 120 by the reference value setting unit 214.

[0032] In the input device according to this embodiment, the reference value setting unit 214 sets the determination reference value for each operation button 120 so that the detection distances of the operation buttons 120 are the same. In other words, the reference value setting unit 214 sets the determination reference values ​​for the first operation button and the second operation button so that the detection distances of the first operation button and the second operation button, which have different initial capacitive coupling amounts from each other, are the same among the multiple operation buttons 120. Here, the detection distance is the longest distance between the operation button 120 and the object when the operation detection unit 212 detects that the operation button 120 has been operated.

[0033] For example, let the initial capacitive coupling amount of the first operation button be Cini1, and the initial capacitive coupling amount of the second operation button be Cini2. The first operation button and the second operation button have different initial capacitive coupling amounts, and here, it is assumed that Cini2 > Cini1. If the initial individual capacitances of the first operation button and the second operation button are the same Cmax, the baseline capacitances Cbase1 and Cbase2 of the first operation button and the second operation button, respectively, are expressed by the following equations (1) and (2).

[0034] Cbase1=Cmax-Cini1... (1) Cbase2=Cmax-Cini2... (2)

[0035] If the initial value of the judgment reference value is Cth0, the reference value setting unit 214 calculates and sets the judgment reference value Cth1 of the first operation button and the judgment reference value Cth2 of the second operation button, for example, using the difference ΔCini between the initial capacitive coupling amount Cini1 of the first operation button and the initial capacitive coupling amount Cini2 of the second operation button using the following equations (3) and (4), respectively.

[0036] Cth1=Cth0... (3) Cth2=Cth0-ΔCini... (4) ΔCini=Cini2-Cini1... (5)

[0037] Alternatively, as another example, the reference value setting unit 214 may calculate and set the judgment reference value Cth1 for the first operation button and the judgment reference value Cth2 for the second operation button using the following formulas (3') and (4'), respectively.

[0038] Cth1=Cth0-Cini1... (3') Cth2=Cth0-Cini2... (4')

[0039] By using equations (1) to (5), or equations (1), (2), (3') and (4'), the following equation (6) can be derived.

[0040] Cbase1-Cth1=Cbase2-Cth2... (6)

[0041] The operation detection unit 212 detects that the operation button 120 has been operated when the amount of change ΔC in the capacitance of the sensor electrode 130 from the baseline capacitance Cbase becomes equal to or greater than the judgment reference value Cth. Therefore, when the distance between the object and the operation button 120 is the detection distance, the amount of change in capacitance ΔC is equal to the judgment reference value Cth. That is, the following equations (7) and (8) hold. Then, by substituting equations (7) and (8) into equation (6), the following equation (9) is obtained.

[0042] ΔC1=Cth1... (7) ΔC2=Cth2... (8) Cbase1-ΔC1=Cbase2-ΔC2... (9)

[0043] The left side of equation (9) represents the capacitance of the first operation button when the distance between the object and the first operation button is the detection distance, and the right side of equation (9) represents the capacitance of the second operation button when the distance between the object and the second operation button is the detection distance. That is, equation (9) indicates that when the distance between the object and each operation button 120 is the detection distance, the capacitance of the first operation button and the capacitance of the second operation button are equal. As described above, since the capacitances of the first operation button and the second operation button alone are both the same (Cmax), this can be rephrased as saying that the amount of change from the capacitance of the operation button 120 alone when the distance between the object and each operation button 120 is the detection distance is equal for the first operation button and the second operation button. Therefore, in this case, the detection distance of the first operation button and the detection distance of the second operation button can be made equal.

[0044] According to the input device configured as described above, in an input device having non-contact operation buttons 120 that detect whether the operation button 120 has been operated based on whether the amount of change in capacitance of the sensor electrode 130 has reached or exceeded a reference value, it is possible to suppress deviations in the detection distance of each operation button 120 due to changes in capacitance caused by the influence of conductors and dielectrics surrounding each operation button 120. Therefore, button operation can be accurately detected at a desired detection distance, improving the quality of the user interface (UI) and improving the user experience (UX) when operating the input device. In particular, in the example described above, the detection distances of each operation button 120 can be made equal regardless of the influence of surrounding conductors and dielectrics, thereby improving UI / UX.

[0045] Note that even when the number of operation buttons 120 is three or more, the reference value setting unit 214 can set the judgment reference value for each operation button 120 in a similar manner. That is, when calculating the judgment reference value Cth for each operation button 120 using the difference ΔCini in the initial capacitive coupling amount Cini of each operation button 120, the reference value setting unit 214 first sets one operation button 120 as a reference and calculates the difference ΔCini from the initial capacitive coupling amount Cini of this reference operation button 120 for each of the other operation buttons 120. Then, for the operation button 120 that is the reference for the difference ΔCini, the reference value setting unit 214 sets the initial value Cth0 of the judgment reference value as the judgment reference value as is. Furthermore, for each of the other operation buttons 120, the reference value setting unit 214 sets the initial value Cth0 of the judgment reference value minus the difference ΔCini in the initial capacitive coupling amount of the operation button 120. On the other hand, when calculating the judgment reference value Cth for each operation button 120 using the initial capacitive coupling amount Cini of each operation button 120 as is, the reference value setting unit 214 sets the judgment reference value for each operation button 120 to the initial value Cth0 of the judgment reference value minus the initial capacitive coupling amount Cini of the operation button 120.

[0046] The detection of the initial capacitive coupling amount by the initial capacitive coupling amount detection unit 213 and the setting of the judgment reference value by the reference value setting unit 214 may be performed at least upon initial startup after the input device main body 100 is installed. However, it is conceivable that the initial capacitive coupling amount may change over time after the input device is first used. For example, the initial capacitive coupling amount may change due to dirt, foreign matter, etc., adhering to the faceplate 110, operation buttons 120, etc., during use. Furthermore, if the operation buttons 120 are both non-contact and contact-type and are movable, rattles, etc. may occur in the operation buttons 120 during use, causing slight changes in the position of the operation buttons 120, resulting in changes in the initial capacitive coupling amount. Therefore, the input device may periodically detect the initial capacitive coupling amount by the initial capacitive coupling amount detection unit 213 and set the judgment reference value by the reference value setting unit 214. Alternatively, the detection of the initial capacitive coupling amount and the setting of the judgment reference value may be performed every time the operation buttons 120 are operated a certain number of times or more.

[0047] In the input device according to this embodiment, from the viewpoint of improving UI / UX, it is not necessarily necessary to aim to equalize the detection distances of the plurality of operation buttons 120. Next, several modified examples of the input device according to this embodiment will be described.

[0048] First, as a first modified example, the reference value setting unit 214 may set the determination reference value for each operation button 120 so that the detection distances of the operation buttons 120 having different functions are different, using the initial capacitive coupling amount of each operation button 120 detected by the initial capacitive coupling amount detection unit 213. In other words, the reference value setting unit 214 may set the determination reference values ​​for the first operation button and the second operation button so that the detection distances of the first operation button and the second operation button having different functions among the plurality of operation buttons 120 are different. Specific examples of the functions of the operation buttons 120 include a destination floor button, a door open button, a door close button, an intercom button (emergency call button), etc., when the input device is an elevator car control panel.

[0049] In this case, for example, the reference value setting unit 214 first calculates the respective judgment reference values ​​for the first operation button and the second operation button, which have different functions, using the respective initial capacitive couplings of the first operation button and the second operation button, so that the detection distances of the first operation button and the second operation button are equal, as described above.Then, the reference value setting unit 214 adjusts and sets the respective judgment reference values ​​for the first operation button and the second operation button, whichever operation button 120 is desired to have a longer detection distance, so that the judgment reference value of that button is relatively small.

[0050] According to the first modification of the input device, in an input device having non-contact operation buttons 120 that detect whether the operation button 120 has been operated based on whether the change in capacitance of the sensor electrode 130 has reached or exceeded a reference value, deviations in the detection distance of each operation button 120 due to changes in capacitance caused by the influence of conductors and dielectrics surrounding each operation button 120 can be suppressed. Therefore, button operations can be accurately detected at a desired detection distance, improving the quality of the user interface (UI) and improving the user experience (UX) when operating the input device. In particular, in the example described above, the detection distance of each operation button 120 can be adjusted to correspond to the function of the operation button 120, regardless of the influence of surrounding conductors and dielectrics, thereby improving UI / UX.

[0051] Specific examples of the functions and detection distances of the operation buttons 120 in this first modified example include the following: - The detection distance of the door open button is made longer than the detection distance of the door close button. This makes it possible for the door open button to react more easily to passengers' fingers than the door close button, thereby preventing the car door from being unintentionally closed. - In the case of two or more vertical rows of destination floor buttons, the detection distance of the destination floor buttons in the row closest to the side wall of the car is made longer than the detection distance of the destination floor buttons in the row farthest from the side wall of the car. This improves the operability of destination floor buttons that are close to the side wall of the car and difficult for passengers to operate. - The detection distance of the intercom button is made shorter than the detection distances of other buttons (destination floor button, door open button, door close button, etc.). This prevents the intercom button from being unintentionally operated.

[0052] Next, as a second modified example, the reference value setting unit 214 may set the determination reference value for each operation button 120 so that the detection distances of operation buttons 120 with different operation frequencies are different, using the initial capacitive coupling amount of each operation button 120 detected by the initial capacitive coupling amount detection unit 213. In other words, the reference value setting unit 214 may set the determination reference values ​​for the first operation button and the second operation button, which have different operation frequencies from each other among the multiple operation buttons 120, so that the detection distances of the first operation button and the second operation button are different.

[0053] In this case, as shown in Fig. 9, the relay device 200 further includes an operation frequency measurement unit 215. The operation frequency measurement unit 215 measures the operation frequency of each operation button 120 of the input device main body 100. The operation frequency measurement unit 215 counts the number of times the operation button 120 is operated each time the operation detection unit 212 detects that the operation button 120 has been operated. Then, the operation frequency of each operation button 120 is calculated from the number of times each operation button 120 is operated within a predetermined period of time. The number of times and operation frequency of each operation button 120 are stored in, for example, the storage unit 220. Then, the reference value setting unit 214 calculates and sets a determination reference value for each operation button 120 according to the operation frequency.

[0054] In this case, the reference value setting unit 214 first calculates the respective judgment reference values ​​for the first operation button and the second operation button, which have different operation frequencies, using the respective initial capacitive couplings of the first operation button and the second operation button, so that the detection distances of the first operation button and the second operation button are equal, as described above.Then, the reference value setting unit 214 adjusts and sets the respective judgment reference values ​​for the first operation button and the second operation button, whichever operation button 120 is desired to have a longer detection distance, so that the judgment reference value of that button is relatively small.

[0055] For example, the reference value setting unit 214 sets the determination reference value so that the detection distance of an operation button 120 that is operated more frequently is longer than the detection distance of an operation button 120 that is operated less frequently. This makes it possible for the operation button 120 that is operated frequently to be more responsive to the passenger's fingers, thereby improving operability. However, an operation button 120 that is operated too frequently may be operated erroneously, resulting in an unintentional operation or a false detection. Therefore, when the operation frequency is higher than a certain reference value, the reference value setting unit 214 may adjust the determination reference value so that the detection distance of the operation button 120 in question is shortened.

[0056] According to the second modification of the input device, in an input device having non-contact operation buttons 120 that detect whether the operation button 120 has been operated based on whether the change in capacitance of the sensor electrode 130 has reached or exceeded a reference value, deviations in the detection distance of each operation button 120 due to changes in capacitance caused by the influence of conductors and dielectrics surrounding each operation button 120 can be suppressed. Therefore, button operations can be accurately detected at a desired detection distance, improving the quality of the user interface (UI) and improving the user experience (UX) when operating the input device. In particular, in the example described above, the detection distance of each operation button 120 can be adjusted to correspond to the frequency of operation of the operation button 120, regardless of the influence of surrounding conductors and dielectrics, thereby improving UI / UX.

[0057] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing the functions of the relay device 200 in this embodiment. The functions of the relay device 200 are realized, for example, by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may include a processor 201 and a memory 202. The processing circuit may also be dedicated hardware 203. A portion of the processing circuit may be formed as dedicated hardware 203, and the processing circuit may further include a processor 201 and a memory 202. In the example shown in the figure, a portion of the processing circuit is formed as dedicated hardware 203. Furthermore, in the example shown in the figure, the processing circuit further includes a processor 201 and a memory 202.

[0058] The processing circuit, part of which is at least one dedicated hardware 203, may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 201 and at least one memory 202, the functionality of the relay device 200 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

[0059] The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in memory 202. The processor 201 realizes the functions of each unit by reading and executing the programs stored in memory 202. The processor 201 is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 202 may be, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM, or a magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, minidisk, DVD, etc.

[0060] In this way, the processing circuit of relay device 200 can realize each function of relay device 200 by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these. When the processing circuit of relay device 200 includes at least processor 201 and memory 202, processor 201 executes a program stored in memory 202 in relay device 200, and the hardware and software of relay device 200 work together to realize the function of each unit included in relay device 200.

[0061] The present disclosure can be used in an input device having a non-contact operation button that detects whether the operation button has been operated based on whether the change in capacitance of a sensor electrode provided on the operation button has reached or exceeded a judgment reference value.

[0062] 100 Input device body 110 Face plate 120 Operation button 121 Button cap 121a Insulator 121b Metal part 122 Button ring 123 Diffuser 130 Sensor electrode 131 Transmitting electrode 132 Receiving electrode 141 Case part 142 Light source substrate 143 LED 150 Button mounting plate 200 Relay device 201 Processor 202 Memory 203 Dedicated hardware 211 Capacitance detection unit 212 Operation detection unit 213 Initial capacitive coupling amount detection unit 214 Reference value setting unit 215 Operation frequency measurement unit 220 Storage unit

Claims

1. An input device comprising: a plurality of operation buttons arranged in a row, the operation buttons having sensor electrodes whose capacitance changes depending on the distance from an object; a capacitance detection unit that detects the capacitance of the sensor electrodes; an operation detection unit that detects that the operation button has been operated when the amount of change in capacitance of the sensor electrodes becomes equal to or greater than a judgment reference value; an initial capacitive coupling amount detection unit that detects an initial capacitive coupling amount, which is the amount of capacitive coupling between the sensor electrodes of the operation buttons and conductors and dielectrics surrounding the operation buttons when the operation button is not operated; and a reference value setting unit that sets the judgment reference value of the operation buttons in accordance with the initial capacitive coupling amount, wherein the reference value setting unit sets the judgment reference value for each of a first operation button and a second operation button having different initial capacitive coupling amounts among the plurality of operation buttons such that a detection distance, which is the longest distance between the operation button and the object when the operation detection unit detects that the operation button has been operated, is equal for both the first operation button and a second operation button having different initial capacitive coupling amounts.

2. An input device comprising: a plurality of operation buttons arranged in a row, the operation buttons having sensor electrodes whose capacitance changes depending on the distance from an object; a capacitance detection unit that detects the capacitance of the sensor electrodes; an operation detection unit that detects that the operation button has been operated when the amount of change in capacitance of the sensor electrodes becomes equal to or greater than a judgment reference value; an initial capacitive coupling amount detection unit that detects an initial capacitive coupling amount, which is the amount of capacitive coupling between the sensor electrodes of the operation buttons and conductors and dielectrics surrounding the operation buttons when the operation buttons are not operated; and a reference value setting unit that sets the judgment reference value of the operation buttons in accordance with the initial capacitive coupling amount, wherein the reference value setting unit sets the judgment reference value for each of a first operation button and a second operation button having different functions among the plurality of operation buttons such that a detection distance, which is the longest distance between the operation button and the object when the operation detection unit detects that the operation button has been operated, is different for the first operation button and a second operation button having different functions among the plurality of operation buttons.

3. An input device comprising: a plurality of operation buttons arranged in a row, the operation buttons having sensor electrodes whose capacitance changes depending on the distance from an object; a capacitance detection unit that detects the capacitance of the sensor electrodes; an operation detection unit that detects that the operation button has been operated when the amount of change in capacitance of the sensor electrodes becomes equal to or greater than a judgment reference value; an initial capacitive coupling amount detection unit that detects an initial capacitive coupling amount, which is the amount of capacitive coupling between the sensor electrodes of the operation button and conductors and dielectrics surrounding the operation button when the operation button is not operated; and a reference value setting unit that sets the judgment reference value of the operation button depending on the initial capacitive coupling amount, wherein the reference value setting unit sets the judgment reference value for each of a first operation button and a second operation button which have different operation frequencies among the plurality of operation buttons such that a detection distance, which is the longest distance between the operation button and the object when the operation detection unit detects that the operation button has been operated, is different for the first operation button and a second operation button which have different operation frequencies among the plurality of operation buttons.

4. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reference value setting unit sets the judgment reference value for each of the plurality of operation buttons according to a difference in the amount of initial capacitive coupling between the plurality of operation buttons.

5. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a pair of the sensor electrodes are provided for each of the operation buttons.

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